By: Irma VenterCreamer Media Senior Deputy Editor
BMW Motorrad South Africa will preview its new maxi-scooters, the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT, at the AMID national motorcycle show, to be staged at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, and opening on August 24.

These models from the German manufacturer will go on sale in South Africa in the fourth quarter of the year.

It is not the first time that BMW has entered the scooter market, but the previous model, the C 1, aimed at commuters, is a far cry from the new, high-powered range.

The C 1, which was manufactured between 2000 and 2003 and powered by either a 125 cc or 200 cc Rotax engine, featured a novel windscreen and roof design that meant the rider did not need to wear a helmet in certain countries.

The new models are powered by a new, BMW-designed 650 cc twin cylinder engine that pumps out 44 kW of power, making them some of the most powerful scooters on the market.

Power goes to the rear wheel through a continuously variable transmission.

The disc braking system features an antiskid, antilock braking system, with the wheels 15 inch in diameter.

The two models are aimed at specific markets. The C 600 Sport is for those who want to engage in sporty riding, while the C 650 GT is for those bikers who put a premium on comfort and touring ability.

New thinking sees a parking brake which operates when the side-stand is pushed down, while flexible storage space is another first. The under-seat space on the GT model can be expanded to 60 l to take two helmets. The styling of the Sport, however, limits storage space somewhat.

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